Michigan House approves bear cub handling bill

LANSING, Mich. - People in Michigan could get the chance to pet and take photos with bear cubs, under legislation approved by the House.

The bill approved by a 56-52 vote Thursday would free up facilities to allow the handling of bear cubs up to 9 months old or weighing no more than 90 pounds.

The Senate approved the bill last month. It will be returned to the Senate for final approval of changes before making its way to Gov. Rick Snyder's desk.

The legislature passed a similar bill last session, but it was vetoed Snyder. It had been tied to another bill Snyder had concerns about, but he encouraged the Legislature to re-introduce this bill on its own this session.